Question : Reduction in Use of Hydrochloroflurocarbons

(a) whether the Government proposes to bring a legislation to ensure that air conditioners in buildings, commercial places and airports are maintained at pre-determined temperatures;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether such legislation has been successfully implemented in Japan and European countries and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) whether such a measure is likely to reduce the use of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HFCs) and if so, the details thereof along with the other steps taken/being taken by the Government for reducing use of HFCs in the country?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a) to (d): No Madam. However, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is mindful of international developments on the subject. A draft concept note was earlier prepared on minimum acceptable indoor temperature for air conditioned buildings. As per reports, Japan had launched a campaign in 2005 encouraging business and public in general to preset air conditioners at 28 °C during summers, in order to reduce energy consumption. More recently, an action plan has been developed in 2016 that requires presetting of air conditioners in Government buildings in Japan. Surveys have been conducted in Japan on the impact of the campaign, it emerged that majority of the respondents were aware about the campaign. In addition, China has also prescribed air-conditioning temperature control standard for public buildings. There are no available reports for regulation on presetting of temperature for air conditioners in Europe.

India is phasing out production and consumption of HCFCs as per the Montreal Protocol schedule, wherein, the baseline level is the average of production and consumption of HCFCs in 2009 and 2010, freeze at the baseline level in 2013, and successive reductions of 10 %, 35 %, 67.5 % in 2015, 2020, 2025 respectively, with complete phase out in 2030 with a service tail of 2.5 % till 2040. In HCFC Phase out Management Plan (HPMP) India has not only met the compliance obligations of the Montreal Protocol but exceeded the phase out targets through a series of policy measures regulations, systematic technology conversions in the Industry, technical assistance and awareness generation. The ongoing HPMP Stage II would result in phasing out of 60 % of the HCFCs by 1.1.2023, against the target of 35 % phase out in 2020 and 65 % phase out in 2025.

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